**9. Environmental sustainability of nano-biopesticides**

Nano-biopesticides are eco-friendly, possess biodegradation properties, and are transported to the different parts of plants. Due to their bioavailability in the plant system, they are helpful in understanding the interactions and behavior of different pests that tack on crops. Spraying silver nano-particles with combinations of aloe vera extract and silver nitrate is helpful to control the growth of pests such as *H. armegera.* Formulations of biopesticides through nanotechnology help to control the harmful pests that attack crops [122]. Nano-biopesticide applications in plants not only control pests but also control environmental pollution by reducing the risks of accumulations of toxic metals in plants, which are helpful in cleaning the environment. For example, the delivery of zinc-based nano-biopesticides to roots protects the plants as they exhibit high efficiency compared to the toxic chemicals directly applied to plants. Nano-biopesticides are also helpful in the bioremediation process by degrading toxic compounds [123, 124].

Nano-biopesticides are biodegradable and transported to the different tissues of pants. Some studies have shown that soil applications of nano-biopesticides under optimum conditions are helpful for the degradation of toxic metabolites that are produced in plants. These metabolites cause the accumulation of toxic metals. It leads to an increase in the chances of death of plant tissues. On the other hand, traditionally used chemicals also increase the chances of death of plant tissues due to

#### **Figure 4.**

*The general process of formulation of nano-fertilizer to commercialization. This figure is reproduced from Lengai and Muthomi [128].*

cellular toxicity in some cells. Therefore, the use of nano-biopesticides in environmental applications is much more reliable than other chemical compounds [125]. Nano-biopesticides reach the soil by activating the microbial activities that increase the chances of useful bacterial activities in plants such as mycorrhizal association.

Nano-biopesticides play an important role in maintaining environmental sustainability by replacing traditionally used chemicals in the form of sprays. The use of nano-biopesticides to control the pests also maintains the ecological chain. Nanobiopesticides for land conservation ensure the maximum yields and maintain the farming system. So, nano-biopesticides are also helpful for improving soil quality and increasing food yields under different cultivations. Other applications are found in crop protection by controlling pests and other animals such as bees and birds through sustainable development [126, 127]. The representation of the process of formulation of nano-biopesticides to fully commercialization is presented in **Figure 4**.

#### **10. Future perspectives**

Nano-biopesticides are used in the control of pests in order to prevent their action in agriculture sectors. These bio-pesticides will be helpful in targeting the different pests in more effective ways by reducing the chemical compounds in order to make profitable and environmentally friendly production. Due to unclear molecular mechanisms and sites of action to the target of the action, research progress for pest control in agriculture is slow [129]. Recent studies show that applications of nano-biopesticides are effective in controlling pests by replacing the traditionally used chemical compounds. These nano-biopesticides have fewer side effects as compared to directly applied chemical compounds. Nano-biopesticides have great potential to release active ingredients that are helpful in maintaining the different problems associated with agricultural systems, such as eutrophication. Although nano-biopesticides are widely used in different crops to control pests, their utilization in humans and animals remains unclear as they have entered into the food chain. More study is needed to characterize and formulate newly developed nano-biopesticides for controlling the different varieties of pests by ensuring no side effects on humans through the food chain [130].

As the world population increases rapidly, the feeding of humans will reach approximately 9 billion by 2050. It requires lots of nano-biopesticides to kill the pests and for the storage of food for long periods of time. It will be an emerging approach towards pest management that maintains environmental sustainability with fewer toxic effects on human health. The use of nano-biopesticides is also helpful in maintaining the nutrient balance in crops, minimize the risks to food security, and accumulating hazardous materials [131]. Nano-biopesticides have been extensively used in the agricultural fields for pest management or arthropod attack, but they possess chemical formulations that contain nano-particles that lead to toxicity concerns and health issues. These nano-biopesticides need to be standardized internationally to reduce their toxic effects on crops and the food chain. The use of nano-biopesticides in agriculture looks promising, but more research is needed in order to understand their toxic nature and monitor their application time to soils [132].

#### **11. Conclusions**

Approximatively, 25% of the world's food yield is destroyed each year by the attack of pests. According to recent studies, using synthetic pesticides has been related to an increase in some illnesses, including Parkinson's disease, neurotoxicity, *Nano-Biopesticides as an Emerging Technology for Pest Management DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101285*

type 2 diabetes, endocrine disruption, various malignancies, and even obesity. Insecticides produced from microorganisms or natural compounds are known as biopesticides. Due to their eco-friendliness, great efficacy, and few side effects, nano-biopesticides have gained in popularity over conventional pesticides over recent years. Biologically active pesticide compounds (APCs) may be produced in two ways: either by extracting APCs from plants and combining them with nanoparticles or by inserting them into a polymer. As a result of their nano-size, high surface area/volume ratio, durability, enhanced effectiveness, greater solubility, mobility, and low toxicity, nano-biopesticides are superior to chemical pesticides. Biopesticides inhibit pathogen's growth by altering their cellular structures and morphology and exhibit neurotoxicity on insects. As a result, nano-biopesticides are environmentally benign and have biodegradation characteristics; they assist in cleaning the environment by reducing the danger of harmful metal buildup in plants. However, the use of nano-sensors and nano-based smart delivery systems could help in the efficient use of agricultural, natural resources such as water, nutrients, and chemicals through precision farming. Moreover, it is recommended to use a nano-barcode, which is a novel method to monitor the quality of agricultural products.
